Los Angeles Lakers fans' worries about Luka Doncic wanting to return to the Mavericks were crushed by one answer from the superstar at All-Star weekend. He did an interview in his native Slovenian where he called the Lakers a truly legendary club, and a better organization than Dallas. The purple and gold have 17 championships and are clearly winning over Luka after he thought he would never leave the Mavs.
The trade is still stunning more than one year later. The Mavericks traded Doncic just months after he led them to the NBA Finals. The five-time first-team All-NBA selection couldn’t believe he was dealt, and the Lakers certainly were shocked that Dallas was willing to part with their superstar.
LA fans have worried about Luka wanting to return to the Mavericks after Nico Harrison was fired. The rumblings got louder with Marc Stein’s rumors of Mark Cuban trying to regain ownership of the team (subscription required). It is safe to say those worries are gone after Saturday’s interview.
Luka Doncic says the Lakers are a better organization than the Mavericks
The 26-year-old pulled no punches. He is fully adjusted to playing in Los Angeles and is clearly loving it. He thinks the Lakers are a better organization than the Mavs. Fans can see his response below for themselves.
Luka was asked how organized Lakers are compared to Mavs:
— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) February 15, 2026
“I think there is a better organization here. The Lakers are really a legendary club and the organization is really legendary.” pic.twitter.com/QxUNglzrUs
Los Angeles has struggled to get the pieces Doncic needs, but that will change this summer. They will have cap space and three first-round draft picks eligible for trade. The plan is to build around number 77. The Lakers need a rim-protecting center and multiple perimeter defenders. Luka has proven he can lead his team to the finals. It is on LA to put the right pieces around him to succeed.
Doncic signed a three-year extension with the Lakers in the offseason that will keep him under contract through at least 2028. Los Angeles fans were worried the superstar may try to leave if the roster around him doesn’t improve, but Luka wants to be the face of the Lakers. He is a loyal star and is taking on the challenge of leading the league’s most popular franchise.
Number 77 is already seeing the benefits. He finished first in All-Star fan voting for the first time this year. His change was joining the Lakers. Doncic has been one of the best players in the world for years. Coming to Los Angeles has boosted his profile and made him one of the faces of the NBA.
Luka wants to win a championship and plans to lead the Lakers to number 18. He is not running from that challenge. The purple and gold are known for winning. It is what makes them legendary, and Doncic is ready to continue the tradition.
Luka Doncic is locked in with the Los Angeles Lakers, and the superstar made that crystal clear at All-Star weekend. If anything, fans should be wondering what star number 77 can convince to join him in LA. Luka isn’t returning to the Mavericks. He is staying in purple and gold for years. Lakers fans should be excited because the best is yet to come.